Dogs have been helping humans with numerous tasks for several decades. Dogs can be trained for different purposes such as therapy, search and rescue missions, and police and military work. Having that said, some dog breeds are easier to train than others.
Easy-to-train dogs have a good balance of intelligence, eagerness to learn, and desire to please. Such dogs make super obedient pets! They can be highly motivated by positive reinforcement methods. Their strong work ethics enable them to have a focused approach towards training methods.
Clever dogs have high cognitive abilities, which they showcase in the form of excellent problem-solving skills, such as learning to unlock the gate. Wondering if the pooch you’re going to adopt makes it to the list of obedient dogs?
Have a look at these 9 popular dog breeds that are smart and super obedient.
Dog Breeds that are Super Obedient
1. Bernese Mountain Dog
Breed Profile
Height: 23 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 70 to 115 pounds
Lifespan: 7 to 10 years
Bernese Mountain dogs were originally bred to serve as farm dogs, but now these gentle giants make great family pets. Berners are majestic dogs with imposing structure. It is an intelligent breed having an eagerness to please.
They are highly trainable and respond positively to positive reinforcement methods such as treats and rewards. Due to their size and impeccable strength, you must leash train your dog and teach them not to jump up on strangers.
Fun activities for Berners include obedience training, hiking, and neighborhood walks. These are calm dogs but need regular exercise to stay healthy. Around half an hour of daily physical activity will suffice, as per the American Kennel Club.
2. Newfoundland
Breed Profile
Height: 26 to 28 inches
Weight: 100 to 150 pounds
Lifespan: 9 to 10 years
Newfoundland is a calm dog with a gentle nature. Newfies are known for their courage and great work ethic. One of the smartest dog breeds, they have a strong desire to please their human, which makes the training easier.
However, it is important to instill good manners from an early age while staying positive. Originally bred as service dogs, their sweet disposition allows them to get along well with children and other pets.
They do not require excessive exercise—daily walks, occasional hikes, or swimming are essential to provide mental stimulation and prevent obesity. Early socialization and proper training are a must for having well-behaved pups.
3. Great Pyrenees
Breed Profile
Height: 25 to 32 inches
Weight: More than 85 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
The epitome of elegance and grace, the Great Pyrenees has a smart, wise, and independent personality. These easygoing pooches have strong instincts. Such traits make them super obedient and easy to train.
Great Pyrenees are large working dogs, bred to protect livestock against wolves and other predators. Utilizing their strong work ethic, they excel at various dog sports like drafting and agility. The Great Pyrenees saves its energy during the day to bark excessively at night.
These strong-willed dogs sometimes have a stubborn streak due to their independent personalities. Without proper training, you cannot expect your Pyr to win an obedience competition. According to WebMD, early socialization is important to make them well-behaved in various social situations.
4. Vizsla
Breed Profile
Height: 21 to 24 inches
Weight: 44 to 60 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
One of the oldest known hunting dogs, the Vizsla possesses natural athleticism and an eagerness to please. Vizslas are intelligent pups who need regular exercise for ample physical and mental stimulation.
Exercise can include anything from jogging to swimming, obedience, and agility training. Adult Vizslas need 45 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise, whereas puppies need 2 hours of play and exercise every day. They love problem-solving.
If you do not provide outlets for them to channel their energy, they will find their own ways to do so. A bored Vizsla can end up chewing objects. Vizsla pups are sensitive and require consistent training and caregiving to behave well.
5. Whippet
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
These elegant and athletic sighthounds were originally bred as hunting dogs. These intelligent dogs have a strong desire to please their owners. They make excellent companions for friends and individuals alike.
Whippets have a strong prey drive, so it is important to supervise them around small pets like rabbits or cats. They have a stubborn streak due to their independent nature. With proper training and early socialization, Whippets can become well-mannered and one of the most obedient dog breeds.
Whippets need 1 to 2 hours of daily exercise to stay mentally and physically fit. A combination of daily walks and off-leash running or playtime in a fenced area can help fulfill their exercise requirements. They enjoy stretching their legs and a good running session.
6. English Springer Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: Around 20 inches
Weight: 40 to 55 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
English Springer spaniels belong to the sporting group of dogdom. Their tough and muscular bodies make them excellent hunters. Their affectionate and playful nature, kindness, and loyalty make them quite obedient.
They generally have an agreeable temperament—they are devoted to their families and beave nicely with others. English Springer spaniels are willful and love exploring things. Make sure they realize who’s in charge before you let them go for an off-leash walk.
Their energy levels, stamina, and endurance allow them to hunt the fields for hours. They are well-suited for households where they get adequate physical and mental enrichment. The English Springer Spaniel enjoys activities like swimming or playing fetch.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
This loyal and friendly spaniel breed is known for its patient and tolerant disposition. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were originally bred to be lapdogs. They do well with both active families and homebodies if they keep getting enough exercise.
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are eager to please and easy to train. These smart dogs excel at several dog sports, including obedience and agility. Begin socializing your Cavalier as soon as you bring it home.
Early socialization helps puppies grow into adults who are comfortable in new social situations. It is not a good idea to let them off-leash. They get along well with children and other pets. Their silky coat requires regular grooming.
8. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Lifespan: 11 to 13 years
Labrador Retrievers, commonly known as Labradors or Labs, are popular all around the world for their intelligence and playful nature. These versatile and energetic dogs have a playful nature. Labs are highly adaptable and protective.
Training a Labrador is quite easy. A well-trained Labrador remains calm and obedient. These dogs are avid swimmers and love playing fetch games. They also enjoy canine sports like obedience, agility, and tracking.
Labs are enthusiastic buddies and require plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. These mischievous powerhouses can be stubborn and loud as puppies, but with proper training, they grow into calm adults.
9. Golden Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
One of the most popular breeds, Golden Retrievers are friendly and easygoing pups. They make great working dogs and family pets. Golden Retrievers are sociable dogs who can become very obedient with the right training and socialization.
According to PDSA, their calm nature and intellect make them highly trainable and a good choice for first-time dog owners. If properly socialized at an early age, Golden Retrievers are confident around new people and situations.
Golden Retrievers form strong bonds with their owners. Just like other affectionate breeds, they are likely to get anxious when left alone for extended periods.
Therefore, it is not recommended to leave your Goldie alone for more than four hours. They can also chew household items, so make sure to supervise them all the time.
Conclusion
Characteristics like intelligence, desire to please, and eagerness to learn make a dog highly trainable. Apart from the breeds mentioned in the article, other dogs can also be super obedient, such as the Australian Shepherd, the German Shepherd dog, and the Doberman Pinscher.
No matter what breed you adopt, proper training and socialization can turn them into obedient canines!
